PANEL - Manager Masterclass

One of the most hands-on jobs within the music industry is that of the artist manager. While no two stories or pathways will ever be the same in this sector of the business - there are shared strategies that enable artist development and growth. Join established artist managers sharing their extensive knowledge, expertise, and advice on all aspects of the business. What are the key roles and responsibilities of an artist manager? What does it take to discover and develop great talent? We'll discuss how to nurture the manager-artist relationship, navigate different ways to market an artist and grow and sustain long-term artist careers.

Featured Speakers:

Zekiel “Zeke” Nicholson was attending his sophomore year at Central Catholic High School when the initial interest in talent management was sparked. The Carolina transplant who moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was in a circle of dreamers working in, or around the music industry. The likes of Quentin Cuff―the future manager and business partner of Mac Miller, and Will Dzombak―who went on to become the manager of Wiz Khalifa―were active students in Pittsburgh budding music community, and encouraging peers who inspired Zeke to pursue the passion.

High school is also where Zekiel became notarized for event coordination. The parties thrown around the city during his 4-year tenure at Central Catholic became a massive spectacle, and by 2008, his senior year, there was a dedicated following built among the high school students. Being an ambitious forward-thinker motivated Zeke’s decision to contact Fab 5 Entertainment, an event promotion company that dominated the college market. Knowing he would be attending the University of Pittsburgh in the Fall, he saw with them an ample opportunity to continue his movement and join an established company. Barry “Hefner” Johnson, Fab 5 Entertainment’s CEO, saw promise in Zeke’s entrepreneurial passion and brought him on as an intern, and was later promoted to Director Of Business Development.

In 2010, Zeke’s internship with Atlantic Records brought him into the major label’s Urban Marketing and A&R departments. The year-long position further solidified Zeke’s desire to work in talent management and searching for an artist to work with lead him to his first discovery, a Detroit, Michigan rapper named Young Scolla. Scolla would become the first artist to be co-management by both Barry and Zeke underneath the Fab 5 Management umbrella. Knowing he had found his career path, Zeke left the University of Pittsburgh during his Junior year to focus on talent management and business development full time. Leaving the University bubble and understanding that the beginning wouldn’t be easy was pivotal to the process of his maturation.

Underneath Barry’s wing, Zeke began assisting with the marketing and promotion for Wiz Khalifa and Mac Miller, getting their early music integrated into the city’s nightlife. Barry saw in Zeke someone who was always about the music, and his ability to see the bigger vision. The two have continued for the last decade co-managing over 6 artists together as partners.

Zeke believes SinceThe80s can restore the trust that has soared over the years between artist and record labels. For him, it’s not just about doing good business, but grooming artist and teaching them the business. SinceThe80s isn’t here to follow the standard, but to be the new standard. 

Sean Glover, Director, Industry Engagement, SoundExchange

Sean Glover serves as Director of Industry Engagement at SoundExchange, where he works closely with artists, managers, and industry partners to ensure creators are educated, supported, and fairly compensated. SoundExchange, the premier music tech organization for digital performance royalties, has distributed more than $11 billion to nearly 700,000 recording artists and rights owners. Sean plays an essential role in advancing fairness and transparency, including administering direct agreements between rights owners and licensees.

His leadership and impact have earned him recognition as one of Billboard’s Hip Hop and R&B Power Players for four consecutive years, beginning in 2020. Widely respected as an advocate for artists’ rights, Sean continues to influence the future of the music industry by championing equitable compensation and strengthening connections across the creative community.

Alyssa Byrne, Director, Writer & Publisher Relations TuneCore Publishing

An integrity-driven and passionate music industry professional, Alyssa Byrne is dedicated to helping independent songwriters and artists thrive. As Director of Writer & Publisher Relations at TuneCore, she brings a strong track record of building meaningful industry relationships — always leading with kindness. In addition to her role at TuneCore, Alyssa also works as an artist manager, offering hands-on guidance and support to emerging talent. With deep expertise in music publishing and rights management, Alyssa empowers creatives to take control of their careers and receive the recognition — and royalties — they deserve.

Tami LaTrell, Multiplatinum Songwriter/CEO of The Mezzo Agency

Tami LaTrell is a multi-platinum songwriter who has contributed to GRAMMY nominated songs.Tami has written for Whitney Houston, Monica, Keyshia Cole, SWV, and country duo Love and Theft to name a few. Tami's first music publishing deal with EMI Music Publishing was under the leadership of music publishing Chairman and CEO Jon Platt. Tami remains an established veteran writer under Sony Music Publishing. 

After nearly 20 years in the business as a creative, Tami retired from songwriting and switched gears to fulfill a bigger purpose of serving the music community. She launched The Mezzo Agency, a full-service music administration company providing services for songwriters, artists and producers in catalog management, metadata enrichment, label services, royalty collection, and music clearance & licensing. The Mezzo Agency has recovered over $2.5M in unclaimed royalties for music creators on her roster which include Billboard chart topping rapper and writer K Camp, platinum producer El Jefe (Queen Naija), Avery Sunshine, producer Audio Jones (City Girls, Nicki Minaj), Latin GRAMMY Award winner El Puma Atrevete, the Estate of the late Rev. Paul Jones, writer/producer David Frazier (Hezekiah Walker, Ricky Dillard), and many more.

LaTrell currently serves as  a National Trustee  representing the Recording Academy Atlanta Chapter.

Moderator:

Tate Henshaw is an entrepreneur and business management executive focused on making a generational impact in the world through financial literacy education. Headquartered in Atlanta, he is the Co-Founder of ARC – a business management firm that helps entertainers and athletes navigate their careers. With more than 15 years of experience executing for GRAMMY winners, record labels, music companies, athletes, and international tech companies – Tate has earned the title of one of Top 40 Accountants in America by CPA Practice Advisor.

Tate’s clients are diverse and range from multi-platinum R&B singer/songwriter Ne-Yo to 6x NBA All-Star Blake Griffin, among other figures across all areas of music, movies, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. His areas of expertise include tax compliance, risk management, estate planning, and wealth management. On top of his day-to-day role, Tate is on the board of Georgia Music Partners – an organization whose mission is to promote both job growth and culture within the state to become one of the country’s best entertainment leaders. He also serves on the board of the Georgia Sports Innovation Coalition, cultivating a thriving sports innovation ecosystem in the state through strategic programs, initiatives, and partnerships.